Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 62-602.200 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words, phrases, or terms shall have the following meaning:

(1) "Approved County Health Department" means Broward, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Polk, Sarasota, or Volusia County Health Department pursuant to Section 403.862(1)(c), F.S.

(2) "Approved training course" means a course that has received written approval from the Department for the training of operators as described in Rule 62-602.230, F.A.C.

(3) "Automatic control system" means an on-site computerized system with sensors and programs that can adjust and control domestic wastewater or water treatment plant equipment and processes over the normal range of expected operating conditions without operator assistance.

(4) "Continuing Education Unit" means 10 classroom hours of approved instruction. It may be abbreviated to "CEU" in these rules.

(5) "Delegated local program" means Broward County (collection systems only), Miami-Dade County, Hillsborough County, Palm Beach County, or Sarasota County pursuant to Section 403.182, F.S.

(6) "Department" means the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

(7) "Domestic wastewater treatment plant" means any plant or other works used for the purpose of treating, stabilizing, or holding domestic waste.

(8) "Electronic control system" means a comprehensive automatic control system plus electronic surveillance system along with capability for manual adjustment and control of domestic wastewater or water treatment plant equipment and processes via a computerized system at a central or off-site location that is staffed by a Class C or higher treatment plant operator 24 hours per day and seven days per week.

(9) "Electronic surveillance system" means a system that monitors operation of a domestic wastewater or water treatment plant and transmits the results of such monitoring by electronic means to a central or off-site location. The use of a telephone for communication between the lead/chief operator and plant personnel is not considered electronic surveillance.

(10) "Experience" means employment as an employee, volunteer, or contractor at a water or domestic wastewater treatment plant or electronic control system performing the duties described in subsections 62-602.250(1) and (2), F.A.C, or means employment as an employee, volunteer, or contractor on or for a water distribution system performing the duties described in subsection 62-602.250(7), F.A.C. Employment at an industrial treatment plant using water or wastewater treatment processes similar to those used at drinking water or domestic wastewater treatment plants will qualify as water or domestic wastewater treatment plant operator experience and be approved by the Department if the criteria in subsection 62-602.250(3) or (4), F.A.C., are met.

(11) "License" means a document issued by the Department granting the holder the authority to perform the duties of an operator. The license limits this authority to specific type(s) and classification(s) of water or wastewater plants or water distribution systems based on the training and experience of the licensee.

(12) "Local regulatory agency" means any local office of the Florida Department of Health or county government that is delegated the authority for the compliance and enforcement of drinking water or domestic wastewater rules.

(13) "Operator" means, for the purpose of this chapter, any person who has an active license issued, under this chapter, by the Department. License classes and levels are Class A, B, C, and D for treatment plant operators and Level 1, 2, 3, and 4 for water distribution system operators.

(14) "Permittee" means the person or entity to which a permit for a domestic wastewater facility is issued by the Department or approved local regulatory agency.

(15) "Probation letter" means a letter reprimanding the operator for failure to comply with the provisions of Rule 62-602.650, F.A.C. This letter shall initiate up to a two-year probation wherein the operator must complete one additional CEU. The letter shall set forth with specificity the allegations of fact that justify the Department's proposed actions. Within 21 days after receipt of notification, the person affected may petition for an administrative hearing under Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S. An additional violation of a similar nature or failure to complete the additional CEU shall result in the suspension of the license for two years.

(16) "Public water system" or "PWS" means a system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances if such system has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year. A PWS includes: any collection, treatment, storage, or distribution facilities under control of the operator of such system and used primarily in connection with such system; and any collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under control of the operator of such system but used primarily in connection with such system. A PWS does not include any special irrigation district. A PWS is either a community water system or a non-community water system.

(17) "Standard operating practice" means effective and competent treatment plant or water distribution system operation that is consistent with the existing treatment plant or water distribution system design, the existing treatment plant operation and maintenance manual(s), manufacturers' equipment manuals, professionally accepted operation procedures as contained in the technical manuals listed in Rule 62-602.660, F.A.C., and applicable Department rules. This definition applies to functions that directly affect treatment plant or water distribution system operation and that can be reasonably controlled by the operator.

(18) "Supplier of water" means any person who owns or operates a public water system. This does not include the licensed operator unless that person is also the owner.

(19) "Timely" means that the submittal has been postmarked by the post office before midnight of the date for which the deadline has been established, or has been delivered to the Department before the close of business of that date. If the deadline is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, timely shall be considered the first working day after the deadline.

(20) "Water distribution system" means those components of a public water system regulated under Chapter 62-550, F.A.C., used in conveying water for human consumption from the water treatment plant to the consumer's property, including pipes, tanks, pumps, and other constructed conveyances.

(21) "Water treatment plant" means those components of a public water system used in collection, treatment, and storage of water for human consumption, whether or not such components are under the control of the operator of such system. Such plants are permitted and classified by the Department, under Chapters 62-555 and 62-699, F.A.C., respectively.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 62-602.200

Rulemaking Authority 403.869 FS. Law Implemented 403.182, 403.1832, 403.8533, 403.862(1)(c), 403.865, 403.866, 403.867, 403.869 FS.

New 12-30-99, Amended 2-6-02, 10-15-07.

New 12-30-99, Amended 2-6-02, 10-15-07.